Top 10 Champions League 2022-23 group stage matches to watch out for

The draw was held on 25th August, 2022.

The UEFA Champions League groups were announced recently. With the World Cup looming large, Champions League nights will come thick and fast this season. The workload and performance of players will present teams with an added challenge. Speaking of draws, this year's group stage could be characterized as a season of homecoming.

Champions League group matches will see several players return to their old breeding grounds this year. The likes of Robert Lewandowski, Erling Haaland, Angel Di Maria, and Fikayo Tomori will all have a chance to haunt their old clubs. Aside from this, all groups look extremely competitive, and finishing in the top two will be a tough task.

Champions League nights always provide thrill and excitement. Here, we look at the top 10 matches to watch in the UEFA Champions League group stage this season.

10. Atlético de Madrid vs. FC Porto

Atletico Madrid is the happiest team after the CL draw. Their group is relatively easy and they have a good chance of finishing at the top of the group. ATM will face Bayer Leverkusen, FC Porto, and Club Brugge. The biggest challenge for Diego Simeone's team will be against Porto. Even though Porto hasn't had much success in the Champions League in recent years, they are now home to some of the world's most exciting players and can easily surprise the Spanish giants. Atletico Madrid host Porto on the 7th of September. While Porto host Atletico Madrid on 1st November.

9. Real Madrid vs. RB Leipzig

Real Madrid is the defending champion. Their group is relatively balanced and Madrid will have to remain on their toes to avoid shocks. Their game against RB Leipzig will make for an exciting watch. The German club has been a regular name in European football for years now. With players such as Christopher Nkunku, Timo Werner and Andre Silva who can wreck any defence, Leipzig will possess the biggest threat to Madrid. Madrid host Leipzig on 15th September. While the reverse fixture is on 25th October.

8. FC Bayern Munich vs. Inter Milan

Inter Milan have always been unfortunate in the last few years when it comes to the Champions League Group stage draws. This season as well, they have been drawn into the proverbial 'group of death'. Their matchup against FC Bayern will be an exciting watch. While the German side is known for its super-pressing attacking style, Inter Milan have been a compact team in the last few years. Inter Milan host Bayern Munich on 7th September. The reverse fixture is on 1st November.

7. Marseille vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Marseille and Tottenham Hotspur have been amongst the most active clubs in the transfer market this season. The French outfit has brought big names like Alexis Sanchez, Eric Bailly, Jordan Veretout, Nuno Tavares, Pau Lopez among others to make their case strong in the Champions League. Tottenham Hotspur have also bolstered their attack with several names, including Brazilian forward Richarlison. With some big new names in their teams and a hunger to establish their name on the European scene, this match should be an exciting one. Spurs host Marseille on 7th September. While the reverse fixture is on 1st November.

6. Liverpool vs. Napoli

Liverpool and Napoli will have another showdown in the Champions League group stage this season. Both clubs were drawn in the same group in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons as well. At that time, the Italians had the upper hand over the English giants, with two wins and a draw in four encounters. Napoli and Liverpool both play an attacking style of football and it will be a cracker of a game for fans around the world. Napoli host Liverpool on 7th September. While the reverse fixture is on 1st November.

5. Barcelona vs. Inter Milan 

Barcelona suffered a big humiliation in the Champions League last season when they failed to qualify for the Round of 16. This season is expected to be the road to redemption for them. But the road won't be easy as they are drawn in the most terrifying group of the season. They will face Inter Milan and FC Bayern.

In particular, Xavi's team will face a tough challenge against Inter. The Nerazzurri have an impeccable defence and Barcelona have a knack for struggling against defensive sides which will make this encounter exciting. Having been knocked out of the group stage by FC Barcelona in 2018/19, Inter Milan await a golden opportunity to respond valiantly. Inter Milan host Barcelona on 4TH October. The reverse fixture is on 12 October.

4. Manchester City vs. Borussia Dortmund

It will be another showdown between Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund this season. Both clubs had an exciting bout in 2020/21 in the quarter-finals, where Manchester City defeated the German club by a small margin. With Dortmund's main man Erling Haaland joining Manchester City, it would be more of a revenge match than a homecoming. With Nico Schlotterbeck and Niklas Süle joining the German club, they will also have a chance of beating Manchester City. Manchester City host Dortmund on 14th September in the Champions League. Erling Haalan's home coming is on 25th October as Manchester City visit the Signal Iduna Park.

3. Paris Saint-Germain vs. Juventus

The match between Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus is another group-stage fixture worth watching. There will be an added dimension to this match due to the homecoming of some players. A lot of ex-PSG players will take the field against their former club. Angel Di Maria and Adrien Rabiot are already on that list. Leandro Paredes may soon follow. However, Paris Saint-Germain will start as favourites with Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, and Lionel Messi looking in great form. PSG host Juventus on 6th September. The reverse fixture is on 2nd November.

2. AC Milan vs. Chelsea

AC Milan failed to advance from the group stage last season after being trapped in a tough group. But this time, they have a relatively easier outing. However, their game against Chelsea will be one of the must-watch fixtures of the group stages this season.

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Both teams have promising young squads and play some eye-catching football. There will be several exciting names battling in the middle of the park such as Rafael Leao, Kai Havertz, and Mason Mount, making it an exciting match for neutrals. Olivier Giroud returns to Stamford Bridge as AC Milan take on Chelsea on 5th October. the reverse fixture is on 11th October.

1. FC Bayern Munich vs. FC Barcelona 

The FC Bayern Munich versus FC Barcelona rivalry has emerged as one of the fiercest in recent years. Past encounters between the two have been filled with verbal and physical battles, making this a must-watch game. FC Bayern toyed with the Catalan giants last season, but this year, the tables have turned. Robert Lewandowski has now joined FC Barcelona and how he engineered the move is already a big debate in Germany. We can expect a high-intensity clash filled with a lot of pride points on the line for both teams. Bayern Munich host Barcelona on 13th September. The reverse fixture is on 26th October.